Mass of Thanksgiving for the Consecrated Life

Pat Boyle, CSJ

On Sunday, September 8th at St. Theresa Parish in North Reading, approximately 180 women and men religious from various congregations serving in the archdiocese gathered for a Mass of Thanksgiving and a celebration of the Jubilarians of the Archdiocese. In his homily, Cardinal Seán O’Malley spoke about his own vocation as a member of the Franciscans and the important sign that community life and the vows are for the Church and the world.

Along with many of our jubilarians who were present, Peggy Sullivan, CSJ, a jubilarian celebrating 65 years, read the Prayers of the Faithful and Rita Welch, CSJ, was honored for her 80 years of religious commitment.  Following the Mass and pictures of the Jubilarians with Cardinal Seán, the bishops, and priests present, there was a lovely buffet prepared by the hospitality committee of the parish.  This gathering was a celebration not only of the commonality of commitment but also of the diversity of cultures and charisms that are part of our archdiocese.